Horowhenua Astronomical Society annual StellarFest

An update: It appears this event has been cancelled due to lack of registrations. Please contact the Horowhenua Astronomical society for more details

The Horowhenua Astronomical Society is holding the sixth annual StellarFest in the Lower North Island.

21st-23rd JulyFoxton Beach Bible Camp, Foxton Beach, Horowhenua

The overall theme of the weekend will be the Winter Milky Way. The venue is situated at a dark site so this wondrous area of the night sky will be easily visible and riding high in the sky.

The weekend will include:

• Hydrogen-alpha solar viewing and photography
• Interesting talks by both professional and amateur astronomers
• Night-time observing, through a variety of telescopes (feel free to bring your own telescopes – the more the merrier!)
• A telescope trail

The talks, on a wide variety of astronomical topics, will be held throughout the day and, in the event of bad weather, during the evening.

The programme of talks is yet to be finalised but speakers that are already confirmed include:

Professor Bill Williams

Professor Paul Delaney

Edwin Rodley

Stephen Chadwick

Nicholas Witte

JP Borberg

All talks will be accessible to a general audience.

If you have your own telescope/binoculars/camera please bring them along. If you would like some advice about getting the most out of your equipment there will be experts on hand to assist. Don’t be shy!

There is a pool table and table tennis as well as a playground with trampolines and a flying fox, rugby and soccer, grass tennis and volleyball to keep the young (and not so young!) amused.

StellarFest Fee: Applies to ALL attendees, including Day Visitors.
People over 18 years = $23.00 / 10-18 years = $12. Under 10s = FREE

On-Site Accommodation:Shared heated Cabins (from twin to 8 per cabin) or Dormitory – $20 per night per person over 10 years old; $3 per night for under 10s.

We will endeavour to accommodate couples and families in cabins ahead of individuals. As the cabins are limited in number, individuals may be asked to use the dormitory accommodation. If you are an individual, and can pre-arrange to share a cabin please tell us beforehand. Any spare cabins will be allocated on a first in, first served basis.

Alternative Accommodation:The Foxton Beach Motor Camp is located within 5 minutes’ drive of the StellarFest venue. They have powered and non-powered sites as well as cabins available. Please make bookings directly with them:- Foxton Beach Top 10 Holiday Park